Chapter II : Chance Encounter

Shin didn't expect that the man he just saved was James Hartland, owner and CEO of Crimson Tech. The maker of the now much desired game, Conqueror Online.

Shin was now seated in a cafe a bit far from where the shootout occurred. Facing James who was beaming at him with kind and thankful eyes.

James: So, may I know the name of my savior?

Shin: Guh... Savior? ...Shin.

James: Shin. Again, thank you so much for saving me. (bowing magnificently)

Shin: Your seem different from your image when you were on the tv.

James: You think so? Well, this is the real me. Of course I couldn't show that in front of everyone. They'd probably laugh at me and those old men at my company may take advantage of me when I show any form of weakness.

Shin: Okay, I get your point, but why am I here. Those guys who wanted you should not be able to follow you here further.

James: It's not that. I've said before, I would like to reward you for saving my life. While I was thinking that my life will start in captivity, there you came to my rescue~ Please tell me anything that you need, if I can get it, I will get it for you.

Shin: I said it's fine.. right. I did it because I want to, not to get any reward.

James: I understand bu.. if someone shows kindness to me, whoever they are, I will give back ten.. no hundred fold. It's not often that someone shows me kindness this days. Everyones trying to take advantage of me where ever I go, almost forgot the feeling of someone helping without any hidden motives.

Shin noticed the sadness in James' eyes whenever he thought about his life. He realized that even with his status and life, James was still a normal guy who needed a friend.

While James became talkative in front of him, like they were long acquaintance. Shin always thought that it always happen when he helped someone. It's also the reason why Shin became well known in the neighborhood as well as becoming the leader of his group. Everyone felt his kindness and calm demeanor. Is it his looks? because he is young? Or because he is strong? Shin does not know why himself.

Shin remembers the time when he had the same eyes before meeting his masters and companion. It was also the same eyes his close friends have when he met them the first time. Eyes of sadness, loneliness and helplessness.

Thinking about his friends, he suddenly had an idea. Since James kept telling him that he must reward him, he knows what favor to ask.

James: Shin! At least allow me to do something for you. I won't take no for an answer.

Shin: Geez! Fine, then I know what to ask if it isn't too much.

James: ANYTHING! Please tell me.

Shin: The game that you've created. I'm interested in it. I heard it was expensive. We saw on the announcement, how the large machine for full dive would be and could guess what it will cost.

James: Eh? If it's just the game I would be happy to give you a full dive unit. But just to make things clear, the one's we are selling are the minitiarize version of it, the helmet with visor, to make it cost effective to our customers. Didn't you watch the advertisement in tv's?

Shin: For real!? Uh.. no, we're quite busy here in the southern part of New York, and as you can see, it's not like the northern part, this side isn't for the wealthy.

James: I understand what you mean. No worries, I would be glad to give you a dive maching just for you!

Shin: Yes.. but not one.

James: Huh? What do you mean.

Shin: I know this may be asking too much but I will become selfish this once only for my friends. I need 13 units to play the games.

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James: 13 units.. hmmm... are the ones who's going to use this, as strong as you?

Shin: Of course! They are a part of my group, they have to be strong...

James: Great! Then no problem. Done. It's actually not enough and I think that it's still small in comparison to what you've done for me.

Shin: Th-then?

James: Like I said. 13 units would be delivered for you. Give me the names of your friends. You'll be surprised when you get it.

Shin: Ah? Okay I guess. Thank you! (Shin bowed in front of James with gratitude) My friends and I dreamed on playing this game together ever since it was announced.

James: It actually comes with a condition if you will accept.

Shin: Condition?

James: Yes... I.. I want you to become my friend. Not because I'm taking advantage or anything.. I just wanted a friend to talk to.. if.. you don't mind.

Shin: Not at all. (smile)

James: Really!? Hahah! Do you have a phone Shin? I would need your address as well.

Shin: Oh sure, here, let me register you to my phone.

James and Shin registered each others as friends. James also reached out to Shin and grasp his hand for a handshake. After, James' companions came to pick him up and the two separated and left the cafe.

James POV

James were now heading back home but was still thinking about his new friend, Shin. He was moved by the sincerity and kindness of the boy. Even though the reward he had given him cost quite a sum for regular people, he never thought of Shin as taking advantage of him. He was even doing it for his friends.

His interest of Shin grew more as he went back to the moment the boy had rescued him. Shin moved fluidly, each step not making a sound, each strike does minimal movement but were deadly at the same time. Not many could move that way, and Shin was still young.

He did not forget that Shin had killed the men that was trying to kidnapped him, but Shin did not even showed emotions when killing them. James understand that Shin may also be like him. He had a hard life before coming to where he is now, that's also why he felt at ease with his company. He genuinely wanted Shin to be his friend. It's been a while when James felt like a teen when he was conversing with just a colleage after coming from school. He missed the feeling from the now that he has to be careful at all times.

James thought as well, if he had a body guard with Shin's skill, he would not worry about danger anymore, but was just a wishful thinking. James life was targeted countless time, by his peers, other companies. This time, when he announced the game, it grew more to the extent that he was almost killed or kidnapped.

"I have to think of some way to stay safe". But James thought comes back to Shin and his request. Shin requested the game. He cannot contain his excitement of him playing the game. In reality, it was still experimental. They covered the safety measures for users but the game itself has it's own life. The technology to create the game should still not exist and would take several more decade to produced. James just became lucky, he stumbled upon a relic that helped him create the game. The relic he found in some ruins became the core of the game's server after countless days and months of studying. He is still not sure much about it and many or most parts are still alien to him. He also thinks that this technology or relic did not originate from this world.

He could not wait to give the unit to Shin. With his skills, his personality, the possibility within the game is limitless. He could only think of what legend Shin would make within the game, Conqueror Online.